Seed depositing mechanism



April 28, 1953 D. E. GRAVES 2,636,459 SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM FiledSept. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet l Darmlq E. 6/0 ves INVENTOR.

Anomq:

7 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 28, 1953 D. E. GRAVES SEED nsposnmc MECHANISMFiled Sept. 9, 1948 April 1953 D. E. GRAVES, 2,636,459

SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 9, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Darwin EGfaves INVENTOR.

April 1953 D. E. GRAVES 2,636,459

SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM Filed Sept. 9, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 DarwinE. Graves uvmvrox.

April 28, 1953 D. E. GRAVES 2,636,459 SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM FiledSept. 9, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Darwin E. Graves INVENTOR.

254 BY We" April 28, 1953 D. E. GRAVES SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM 7Sheets-$heet 7 Filed Sept. 9, 1948 A Home m m w. E h M mm .m wwm an m 00 w chm QR \uh u w New n \H H \\H\ NM wk wk Patented Apr. 28, 1953UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SEED DEPOSITING MECHANISM Darwin E. Graves,Solsberry, Ind.

Application September 9, 1948, Serial No. 48,424

1 Claim.

This invention appertains to novel and useful improvements inagricultural implements.

The principal object of this invention is to plant crops-corn, etc., inchecked rows Without the use of a check wire.

This is made possible as will be seen later on by the seed plate withplurality of seed cups between automatic trip lugs, and connected partsfor opening and closing the check gate at e ular intervals without theusual check wire. Another purpose of this invention is to ouse aselective amount of grain in a suitable shout and supply a closureadjacent the bottom portion of the spout, which closure is actuated inaccordance with rotation of a distributing plate within a grain bearinghopper.

Ancillary objects and features of noveltywill become apparent to thoseskilled in the art, in following the description of the preferred formof the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the preferred form of the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevational side view of the preferred form of theinvention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view of the deviceillustrated in Figure 1 and taken substantially on the line 3--3 thereofand in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 4-4 ofFigure 1 and in the direction of the arrows, portions being omitted forclarity and illustrating particularly the support for the frame member;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially the line 55 of Figure 1and in the direction of the arrows, portions being enlarged for clarity;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 66 ofFigure 5 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line l-'l ofFigure 6 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 8 is a sectional detail of construction taken substantially onthe line 8-8 of Figure 6 and in the direction of the arrows,illustrating particularly a bearing utilized in association with theinvention;

Figure 9 is a perspective View of a rotating vdistributing plateutilized in the grain hopper;

- Figure 10 is a perspective view of a gear used for actuating theplate;

Figure 11 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the linelI-H of Figure 2 and in the direction of the arrows, illustrating par- 2ticularly the arrangement of the grain distribution means;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken substantiallyon the line |2-l2 of Figure 11 and in the direction of the arrows,illustrating particularly a means for deflecting a single grain into oneof the apertures in the rotating plate and also the resiliently biasmeans for urging the seed or grain into the apertures as well as urgingit from the apertures for subsequent distribution;

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line I 3I3 ofFigure 12 and in the direction of the arrows, illustrating details ofconstruction;

Figure 14 is a sectional view illustrating certain details ofconstruction and taken on the line I4-l4 of Figure 1 and in thedirection of the arrows;

Figure 15 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line l5-l5 ofFigure 1 and in the direction of the arrows, illustrating the squareshaft used in conjunction with the invention;

Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the rear axle of theimplement and taken substantially on the line I6|8 of Figure 2 and inthe direction of the arrows;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the clutch mechanism utilized inassociation with the grai distributing means and the fertilizerdistributing means, and;

Figure 18 is a perspective view showing a single element of the groundmarking means;

Figure 19 is a view of the ratchet construction in the hub of each drivewheel showing the ratchet pawls engaging notches in the cutaway hub;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a clutch ele ment.

A chassis generally indicated at I6 is provided of several structuralelements and are made preferably of metal. These structural elementsinclude channels, angle iron members as well as various braces.

A frame generally indicated at I2 is provided transversely on theforward end of the said chassis l0 and is also of metallic constructionincluding a plurality of rods, braces and structural members. Referenceis made to Figure 1 wherein this construction is clearly illustrated,showing particularly the relation between the frame 12 and chassis Hi,this construction simulating a T.

A tongue l4 (see Figures 1 and 2) is attached to the said frame l2 andchassis l0, terminating in a shelf 16, the function of which will bedescribed later. The forward end of the said tongue H3 may be suppliedwith any suitable coupling, such as the spaced plates having aperturesand indicated generally at E8. This coupling is of course utilized inassociation with a tractor. For horse drawn type of planter, a longertongue with neck yoke and double'trees replaces the stub tongue which isfor tractor use only. Also a seat It of the usual implement typesupported by bracesis included.

The two front braces supporting the seat atta-ch to the frame above theaxle, and the two'- rear braces attach one to each rear corner of theframe. This puts the seat above and to the rear of the axle.

For horse drawn type the mechanical parts and principles are the samealthough there is a different arrangement of those same parts asfollows:

The. levers 334 are moved on the tongue back 01" the pulley'3 l' l andthe cable 3&2 is passed around the front of pulley 3M and on back to'lever 33d. Levers 334" will be nearer straight if necessary forconvenience or. the operator on the planter when using horse's. Lever 3dwill be the samebelow its pivotal point but above its pivotal point itwill'be made to point backward enough to bring it"within easy reach ofthe operator from his seat on the planter. As can clearly be seen, bychanging the position of the parts as above. the same mechanical actionand control are brought to. the operator on the seat of the planter whenusing horses.

if necessary lever B l may also be somewhat straighter above its pivotalpoint to position it in easy reach of the operator on the seat.

An' angle iron cross member 20 is attached to the said chassis in andextends parallel to the frame I2. This angle iron 20 may be. considereda portion of the said frame i2. A pair of identical brackets 22 andidentical hopper 24 are secured to this. cross member 2t by anysuitable, conventional attaching means. It will be noted that the hopper'l i' may' be detachably associated with its bracket 22 by means of awing nut and screw construction. Of course, if it is found desirable thehoppers may be rigidly associated with the cross member 2t, this being amatter of choice.

A cover 26 maybe supplied on the hoppers 24 for the obvious purpose ofretaining the fertilizer used in" association therewith.

A flexible spout 28 extends from the lower portion of the hopper 2 3 andmay have a hook 30 associated with the terminal portion thereof. Thihook attaches to a suitable pin 32 which is secured to a shoe 34. Thisshoe is utilized for the purpose of digging a furrow in the groundprior'to planting and other agricultural operations; As is" seen inFigure 5, the said shoe is attached to the frame it by means of asupport bracket 35 and is also retained in the proper position throughthe medium of a spout 3B, which is attached to the lower portion of asuitable element of the frame l2. The function of this spout: 38 will bedescribed subsequently. Of course, suitable bolts l may be utilized inconnecting the shoe to the spout 38 and if desired, other conventional.fastening means may be utilized. A preferred form of fastening the shoeto the spout 33 is by rivets crosswise through the shoe and the lowerforward part of the spout 38 designated as the frog.

Referring now to Figure 1 it will, be noted that a shaft 42 extendsfromthe hoppers 24, connecting the two. This shaft is journaled insuitable, conventional bearings 54 which are attached to the chassisIE]. Further, a conventional mechanism is supplied in each hopper 24 fordistributing fertilizer. Various types of fertilizer distributing meansmay be utilized, it being but a matter of choice of a conventionalapparatus.

A sprocket it is rigidly attached to the said shaft 42 and has a. chain18 extending therearound. This chain also-extends: arounda complementalsprocket or gear. ill which is associated with a clutch mechanism.

It is noted that two identical clutch mechanisms are provided on theaxle 52, which axle is journa'led in the said chassis it. Further,wheels 54 having dished central portions 56 with spaced slots 58 in thedished portion, are provided on the Theutility of two identical clutchmechanisms is for the purpose of actuating the fertilizer distributingmeans and the" grain distributing means when desired bythe operator ofthe invention.

A bar 60 is attached to suitable bosses 6'2 orithe said chassis iiiandsma-ll" scrapers 5aare'=attached to this bar, the said scrapers 6 3'being in juxtaposition to the wheels 54. Of course, the scrapersareadapted to and" actually scrape any excess material which mighta'dhereto the'ium' ning surface of the wheels.

In order to prevent the possibility of reverse actuation of the grainand fertilizer distributing means, a ratchet type mechanism is utilizedfor the purpose of locking the wheels to the'axle- 52 in only onedirection of rotation of the said wheels. For. detail of thisconstruction, reference is made to Figure 16 wherein there isillustrated a flanged ratchet hub or collar 66" rigidly attached to thesaid axle 52 by means of a conventional pin or bolt 68. Also attached tothe flangeof hub- 66 through the medium of a' rivet inside of and e'xtending through a spacer-sleeve is a ratchet pawl or dog is which ispivotally' associated with the flange of ratchet hub 5-5; Associatedwiththe above pawl or dog is is a compressionspring 4-3 which constantlyurges the-above pawlo'r'dog'hi to a pivotal action which force the freeend of said pawl or dog Hi outwardly'causing said pawl T4 to" engage anyone of a plurality of notches (unnumberedl in the hub-of the drive wheel54 in.which pawl 14 is housed; which withtwo other p'aWl's 'M' on 66'having the same construction and action lock the drive wheel t l-to theaxle-52 when sai'd'drive wheel 54 is rotatedin a'forward action, such'aspulling'the chassis ldiorward. Butwhen the drive wheel 54 is rotated".in areverse'action by backing the. chassis lb or otherwise rotating thedrive wheel 5% reversely, above said notches in: hub of. wheel 54 slideharmlessly over said pawls i l, and do not cause the axle 52 to rotatereversely. By the above it is apparent that" the drive wheel 5t canactivate the axle 52" onl'y" in a forward" rotation. There is also alike arrangement of the'sam'e partsfor' the other drive'wheel 54.

Since the flanged collar of' hub 66'- (withthe pawls 74 attachedthereto) is rigidlyattachedto the. axle 52 the pawls 74 rotate aroundwith the axle 52 and wheel 5'8 when the wheel 5'4 travels in a forwardrotation.

When the wheel at rotates in a. forward rotation, said wheel at islocked to the"axle-52bythe pawls or'dogs M. Yet" the same pawl's'lll'prevent the. axle 52. from rotatingreversely when the wheels 5 11rota'teih" a reverseaction, as in backing aten'ds"ofrows',etc'.

I34 which is formed A cross member 18 (see center of Figure 1) isintegrally associated with the said chassis I and forms a part thereof.This cross member acting in conjunction with truss elements 80 and 82respectively assist in seating a handle 84 which is of bell crankconfiguration. This handle 84 is pivoted by means of a conventional pin86 and is utilized ultimately for the purpose of actuating the clutchmechanisms on the axle 52 and raising and lowering the shoes 34 asdesired in turning or traveling.

A gear segment (see Figures 3 and 1) 88 is attached to the cross memberI8 and has a latch keeper 96 associated therewith. This latch keeper isof course slidably secured to the said handle 86 for engagement withselected teeth of the segment 88. A conventional keeper actuating rod 92is associated with the handle 84 and the usual bell crank 94 is attachedto the rod 32 for urging a resiliently biased element against the keeperQ6. The small spring 96 is utilized for the requisite resiliently inthis connection.

Seated on the said platform I6 (mentioned above) is a spring 98 whichalso engages an extension I00 of the said handle 84. A guide rod I02 ispivoted to the extension I00 and is slidably received through a suitableaperture in the platform I6. The end of the guide rod I02 may be bent orotherwise modified to prevent excess movement thereof.

An arm I05 is attached to a preferably square shaft I06 which isjournalled in and supported by perches or brackets I06. These bracketsare attached to rods H0 and I I2 respectively which form a portion ofthe chassis It. The said arm I6 also connects with the handle 84 andmore specifically to the extension I00 through the medium of a pitmanH4. It may now be readily appreciated that upon actuation of the handle84 pivotally about the pin 86, the shaft I06 will be rotated.

Connected to the said shaft I06 is an arm H6 which has a pitman H8associated with one end thereof. The other end of the said pitman H8terminates pivotally on a wrist which is on a lever like projection ofplate I36. A wear sleeve or bushing is on the above wrist where pitmanH8 slips on the above wrist. Said lever like projection of plate I36extends downward and backward at an angle of 45 to make a lever whichthrows the clutch in or out of gear when activated by the lever 84 andabove connected parts. It will be noted from an inspection of Figure 1that there are two such assemblies that is mating pairs of links H6, H3and lever projection of plates I36. This of course is to actuate bothclutch mechanisms as is seen in Figure 16.

The specific clutch arrangement is of the resiliently bias type as isreadily apparent from the clutch detail. A bracket I22 having a bore I24therein is utilized for iournalling the shaft 52. This bracket isrigidly secured to the members I50 or I52 of the chassis II) by means ofbolts I26. Of course, as is seen in Figure 16 there are two identicalsupporting brackets I22 used in this construction.

A bearing plate I28 encircles the said shaft 52 and engages a face ofthe bracket I22. Then, a suitable resilient means for biasing purposes,such as the coil spring I32 is supplied about the shaft 52, seated uponthe said bearing plate I28. The

opposite end of the spring I32 engages a boss integral with said gear orI66 respectively which form sprocket 50. By this construction the saidgear 5|] is constantly urged in a selected direction.

A plate I36 fits loosely around the reduced end of the hub of sprocket50, and plate I36 also fits loosely against a shoulder on the hub ofsprocket 53. Plate I36 remains stationary while sprocket 50 rotates whenin gear. The reduced end of the hub of sprocket 50 is long enough toextend through plate I36 and permit the teeth on the end thereof toengage the teeth on the reduced end of the hub 400 which extends throughplate I42. Hub 400 is rigidly attached to the axle 52 by bolt I44. PlateI36 has two lugs I31 on the face thereof next to plate I42 which alsohas two lugs I43 that oppose the lugs on I36. When plate I36 isactivated in a rotation of 45 by pitman I I 8 bringing the lugs of plateI36 against the like lugs I43 on the plate I42 which action pressessprocket 5|] back against the spring I 32 far enough to disengage theteeth on the end of the reduced hub of the sprocket 58 from the teeth onthe reduced end of hub 400. This puts the clutch out of gear and rendersthe mechanism of the planter inoperative.

The second plate I42 which is different from plate I36 is rigidlysecured to frame member I I2 by two bolts in the left clutch, and saidplate I 42 is rigidly secured to frame member III) by twobolts in theright clutch when viewed from the rear as in Figure 16. The second plateI42 also has a hole through it like plate I36 and for the same purposeof letting the reduced end of hub 46!) with teeth on the end thereofextend through a hole in I42 to engage the teeth on the reduced hub ofthe sprocket 50 which extends through plate I 36.

The lugs on the second plate I42 are one directly above the center ofthe axle 52 and one directly beneath the center of said axle 52. When ingear, the upper and front lug on plate I36 is just below and forward ofthe upper lug on plate I42, and the lower and rear lug on plate I36 isabove and to the rear of lower lug on plate I42 when in gear. I

One end of the link H8 is pivotally attached to link H6. The other endof H8 is pivotally attached to the lever like part of plate I36whereupon actuation of handle 84 causes link H8 to pull on lever part ofplate I36 which rotates plate I36 45, which as previously explaineddisengages the teeth on hub 400 from the teeth on sprocket 50. By thismeans the clutch assembly is produced and the fertilizer or graindistributing means is rendered operative or inoperative. Theconstruction of the other clutch is the same as the above describedparts.

Means for supporting the frame I2 on the said chassis I0 is provided andillustrated at Figures 3 and 4 particularly. The side members I50 andI52 respectively of the said chassis I0 terminate in an arcuate portionwhich has a pin I54 extending therethrough. This pin is seated in a slotI56, formed in a bracket I58 having bifurcations a portion of the frameI2. By this construction it is apparent that the frame I2 is supportedrather freely in ment I66 by suitable means such as bolts or rivets.

uting grain or ee;i-'is;as t ciate'd: with e said? frame 12 ans-w n hesescribedin d eta tithhme; A pair? or hoppers n: and H r are proviued atopposite terminals of theiframe' I amt closures lit are provided on eachhopperforjifetaining the" grain therein; A spring H3 is" attached to;the inside center of hop er cover He rts d'" its on the inside or thehopper M2 to constantly pun-cows orr era ures flit thus keeping the"hopper N2 tightly covered ty utsures: flit to keepr'ain; et'cl, out oftheho'ppier ana -anew ieventjit iosmg ir Ahollo'w sup= t t h ben ath t epp r b y member nu to s aporticnor the said hopper. itfwilhbenoted atthetw'b hoppers I12; lld'illulstrat'ed are o f'i entical conlstructionand the per tinen" mechanism associated therewith is also identical.Therefore, it is believedthat" a description of one' hopper'with'itsassociated' mechanism willsullice'fora cleafuhd'erstanding of theother ra ni H l r 4 c v Figure? cle'afly disclosed thatthe upper portionor the said ho'p c Hz. is .vhingediy mounted through the mhdiuih oithe'bracket whi'ch'is attached rigidly mv the; base block was and itspivotal-point or hinged joint is level with the top of p1ate l82" whichwar raise the hopper I12 ne r ornate [82; en" hopper nzf is tilted.

This; of course; rendersace'ess to the internal poi tions of the hopper.

As'eal its may twee r to the rowerportion er the-upper segment oftheh'op'per" H2, serving the usual seaiingffunction: Further; aplate 182(see Figure 9 having a" frusto-conical central portion- PM with airaperture lt ttherein is provided on the s a iiig' hloci'; W3. A;plurality of projectionsor lugs-"1st having a bevelled edge" I99 oneach, is provided aboutthejperiphery of the plate lfi'tythesaid"lugs"extending'outwardly of thel'lop'per my I Reference is 'now made toFigure 11 wherein a hafile is? is illustrated as seatedupo'n thetrustsconicalcientralportiorr PM; This hafiiehasdish'ed ing grain; suchascornjtoj the internal periphery o'f'the hopperl-TZ. Theg-rain is'urgedtoward the successive apertures 196"" which are provided" in the plateI82.

The" apertures we are of such-size as" to conveniently receive a.single" rain of corn or. the like 98 therein. 7 v

Positioned above-'thehafile E92 is apla't'e" l'99 which is permanentlyattached to the side of the hopper 1T2, whichpla'te is utilized formaintaining the bafli'e l92 in a position which is'immovabl'e relativetothe hopper 112; Two other braces'r'is= ing from the baffle I 92 arealso part of saidbaiile [92 and are so ositioned on the baffle I92 thatthey are connected by rivets through thsid'e' of hopper F2 to thebraces" 371} which are on the outside of 'thehoppefr H2". The abovethree braces are art: of the bafiie l'sz' whith they support, andpreventfrictionof the Battle I92 on plate [82 when hop'per" F12 u lofsee'dl v p v AliduS'l-TXQQWOWS ached to'thesaid'baille [92 andramparts m than'isir s'therein; *rst mechanisr cohsi-st I p 7 tiasst-apes swasshciated therewith.

engages the upper portion of the plate m2 for insurihg'the positioningofa single grain of corn I98 in each aperture use. The edge or side wallEilfibf the said housing 251i is positioned above the plate E82 asufficient distance as to obviate the possibility of a whole grain ofcorn from slipping within the housing 28%. Further, the arm 28?withitsscrapei" 28s urges the grain of corn Within the aperture andobviates the possibility of an additional grain being present in asingle aperture r98. A spring 2981s seated on a pair of opposed'lugs 210and 212 respectively, which are attached to the" arm 2% and the upperportion of the housing 2%. This construction of course constantly urgesthe arm 2E2 against the upper surface 01- the'plate' I82.

J'uxtapose'd relative to the aforementioned assembly is a'seco'ndassembly including a pivoted arm 2M, associated with one wall or" thehousing 2638. A roller 2H5 is attached to one end of the saida rrii215,-, While the other end of the arm has alug 218' secured thereto. Ashaft 22 is formed integral with the housing and has a lug 222 seatedthereon. E'n'circl-ing the lugs 2E3 and 222 isa s'pring'22- l' or someother suitable, equivalent re 'lieiit" biasing me for urging the arm 2H;pito'ta'lly about the 228. Of course, the pin 22B is utilized inpivotally supporting the arm 2% on the housing Zilil. Further, to assistin urging the roller 2-18 in the successive apertures 985, an additionalspring 228 is seated on the housing cover 2138 and the arm 2M. The usuallugs 2%!) audit?! respectively may be attached to the housing and armrespectively to obviate creep of the spring.

In actuation of the plate i82, the corn or other grain is first receivedin the successive apertures from the supply within the hopper H2, thensmoothed within the apertures so that a single grain may be maintainedsolely, and then, is urged by the roller 215 through the said apertures':96 to and through a passage 2%.

This passage extends through the upper Wall or the bearing block H8 thenproceeds to a funnel or spout 238 which is" attached to the crossmemberi iil which forms a portion of the frame lg. Of course, suitablebolts may be utilized in this connection, which bolts may be extendedthrough the bearing block ill? to the disc 2 32.

t The said disc 2 22 is utilized to maintain a gear 2M in the properposition with the hearing block {18 The function of the said gear is asfollows: A recess- 2% is supplied therein, wherein thedise 2&2is-s'eated The said gear 22413 is or" the bevel type and reference toFigure 6 illustrates the complemental bevel gear 2&8 cooperatingtherewith. Rotation of the bevel gear 2% produces rotation of the saidbevel gear 2 M. Positioned: about the upper surface or the" said gear244 isa plurality of apertures 25% which accommodate lugs 252, dependingfrom the lower surface of the plate i822. A peripheral flange 254 issupplied on the said gear 2 24i and engages a shoulder formed in thebearing block M8 for seatingpurposes. This construction preventsdownward movement of the gear 2st and the disc prevents upward movement.The circular configuration of the gear cooperating with the circularaperture therefore prevents lateral movement By this construction itwill be seen that the gear is rotatably seated in the hearing block andalso, as the saidgear is actuated the plate i82 is d'riven.

Referring now to the spout or funnel 38 wherein the grains of corn orthe like are dropped prior 9v to dispensing, it will be seen that thelower portion thereof is attached to the shoe 34 by the rivets asdescribed hereinbefore. A bracket 266 is rigidly attached to one wall ofthe said chute 38 and is used for journaliing the shaft 262 therein.This shaft 262 is preferably square in cross section and has an arm 264attached thereto. This arm is connected with a pitman 268 which is alsoconnected with the check gate 266 and which is in turn pivoted to onewail of the chute 38. The closure restricts the passage of the chute formaintaining a charge or supply of seed or grain therein prior todispensing the same. The connection between the arm 264 and the closure266 may be made by means of the pitman 268. Also, a stop 2'56 may besupplied in the shoe 34 for limiting the travel of the closure whichalso protects the closure 266 from dirt, etc., interfering with itsaction in opening and closing.

The operation of the shaft 262 is controlled by the movement of theplate I82 and more specifically by engagement of the lugs I88 with theright angular extension 214 of the said shaft 262. Since the squareshaft 262 is pivoted in the flange or bracket 269, the right angularextension projects adjacent the hopper H2 whereupon movement of theplate I82 will urge the lugs into engagement with a bearing or wearplate 278 formed on the extension 2'14. This wear plate may be in theform of a sleeve seated in the reduced portion of the extension 274 anda suitable screw 280 may be used for attaching the sleeve 278 to thisreduced portion. Of course, a suitable shoulder 282 may be formed in thebore of the sleeve 278 whereby firm grip of the head of the screw 28!]may be made,

Referring to Figure 6 it will be clearly evident that upon rotation ofthe plate I32, the lugs I88 will urge the extension 233 in such a manneras to oscillate the shaft 262, thereby opening and closin the closure266.

Referring to Figure 3 attention is directed to the square shaft 232. Itwill be noted that a rod 290 is attached thereto. A plurality ofapertures 292 are formed in the said rod or arm 296 wherein a spring 233may be selectively attached. The other end of the spring is suitablyattached to the frame member I64 and of course, the said spring 294constantly urges the rod in a single direction. As the rod 262 isactuated and therefore the closure 266 is selectively opened and closed,the rod 296 will oscillate. This gives an indication of operability ofthe closure and therefore an indication of the depositing of a hill ofseed in the furrow or trench made by the shoe 34. Of course. the saidrod 290 is utilized as an indication and may be painted or otherwisecolored to attract the eye and also to distinguish it from variousmechanical elements readily and rapidly.

A sprocket 296 is attached to the axle 52 and this sprocket is identicalto that sprocket member 56 except the configuration of the teeth onsprockets 56 and 296 makes then non-interchangeable. A chain 298 extendsaround the said sprocket 286 and around a complemental sprocket 298.lhis complemental sprocket 298 is attached to a shaft 366, which shaft366 has the above described gear 246 attached thereto. It is apparentthat actuation of the shaft 366 renders operative both hoppers and theirdistributing mechanisms. Suitable idler gears 362 and 394 respectivelymay be supplied in the chain system for tightening purposes as well asfor attaining the proper positioning.

Secured to the frame member 240 is a support 3| 0. This support iscomposed of suitable bracing members, having one pair of ends attachedto the brackets 3 l 2 which seat upon the frame member 240. A pair ofcross members 3|4 and 3|6 respectively are utilized in the make-up ofthe support 3m and have bearings 318 formed therein. These bearingssupport a rod 320. by means of suitable set screws 323 and of course,the rod is extensible relative to the support. At the terminal portionof the said rod 320 is a scraper 322 which is adapted to engage theground during operation of the device. This applies a mark to the groundindicating the travel of the attachment for farm use. Since this arm 320is extensible, the adjustment which is necessary for the particularoperations at hand may be made.

Also attached to the support 316 is a perch 324 having an arm or rod 326pivoted thereto, through the medium of a conventional pin 328. Means forlimiting the pivotal travel of the said arm 326 i provided. Rod 326 isalso extensible by a plurality of holes 335 in the perch 324. Also sincethe support 310 contains two separate marker rods 329 and 326, and as326 is always extended farther than 326 it is necessary that supports3H] be practically level when the markers 322 and 332 are on contactwith the soil. This can be accomplished preferably by having supports 3l9 curved between cross member 3M and the two ends thereof of members3l6 that attach pivotally to brackets 352. This is preferred to makingthe markers 322 and 332 long enough to level up 3!!! as they would bendbadly. Since the marker 326 is always extended farther than the marker329 the necessity of supports 3IU being practically level when in use isapparent. A limiting means be seen as the partially closed U-shapedmember 330 which may be attached to the perch 324 bymeans of aconventional bolt and nut construction. Through this expedient thesubstantially U-shaped member 335 may be adjustably rotated therebypermitting larger or smaller travel of the rod 326. Further pivotalcontrol of rod 326 may be made by changing the bolt holding the-U-shaped member 336 to different matched holes 333 in the perch 324.

The pivotal movement in this marking device is desired in order that themarker 332 may follow the terrain, thus compensating for slightdepressions and hills.

Inspection of Figure 1 clearly discloses that there are two identicalassemblies as described, one extending from each side of thesubstantially rectangular shaped frame (2.

Means is provided for raising and lowering each of the supports 35 6 andthe pertinent mechanism maintained thereon. The preferred means may beseen by correlating Figures 1 and 14. It will be seen that a crank-typehandle 334 is pivoted to the tongue l4 and has a gear segment 336associated therewith. The gear segment is of course stationarilyattached to the tongue M and a latch keeper 338 is attached to thehandle 334. This latch keeper is resiliently biased and controlled by arod 32-3 which is positioned on the handle 334. Actuation of thislatching means permits the handle to be maintained in several adjustedpositions in accordance with the shape of the gear segment 336.

A cable 342 is attached to the handle 334 and extends around a suitablepulley 344, which is secured to the said tongue l4. The cable 342 thenextends to another pulley 346 in its travel. This last mentioned pulleyis attached to the .11 bracket 1 58 and giournalled byianonventional-pin ,or shaft.

.A support .398 .hasa bell crank .359 journalled at theend thereof andthe rcable .342 terminates in a suitable aperture 3E2-supp1iedi'n thesaid bellorank. The preferred connection isby-means of adetachable ring,.whichmingmay be'supplied .in any one of ,a selected member .ofapertures to efiect adjustment when necessary. The opposite-end of thebell crankhas a chain (356 attached thereto. Thisichainzoi coursemaybesubstituted .for ropes, cable -.or :the like. The opposite end .of thesaid :chain 3541s attached to' a suitable bracket 3.5.6 whi-chis .inturn supported and connected .to thesaid support .3.10. ltmaynow beappreciated that byaotuation of the handle 334, the cable 342 will be.urged in .a selected direction, thereby pivoting the .bell crank 350and lifting the said support .310 to the -inop.erative position.:Further, the support may :be maintained in this inoperative position byutility of the gear segment .336 ,and its pertinent latching'meanaattached to the handle 384.

Inspection of Figure -4 clearly illustrates that there are two identicalconstructions ,for raising and lowering the-identicalsupports ,310.Therefore, a further description of the opposite identical raising andlowering ,means isdeemed .un-

necessary Referring now :to :Figure 2 it-will be noted that pivotallatches 310 may be provided from the :upper section of the hopper 112 tothe lower bearing block [7.8. This of course cooperates with the hinge11:9 :for retaining the upper and lower segments :of the hopper :in,place. .Eurther, this latch is-of ithequickdetachment typewherebypivoting the top asectioniof the hopper 1-72 is rendered simple.

While there has been described and 'illus- .trated :but .a preferredform ,of the invention, it is apparent that variations .may be madewithout .depar-ting firom the spirit thereof. Accordingly, limitation issought only in accordance with the scope-of the following claim.

Having describedthe invention, whatis claimed as new is:

In a planter which includes a mobile chassis and .an element rotatableat .a speed proportionate to the speed of the chass'is,:a seeddepositing mechanism comprising a hopperya seed plate mounted'forrotation about a vertical axis and rotated by said element, a generallyvertical 1'2 spout receiving seed. from :said plate and :having a:discharge iopening at its .lower end, a closure pivoted .onsaid spout.for closing said discharge opening, said plate having a plurality ofprojection-s spaced around its periphery, said projections extendingthrough a passageway in said hopper to the exterior of said hopper, ahori- :zontal shaft carried by said chassis, a depending arm fixed atits upper end to said shaft, the lower end of said arm being linked tosaid-olosure, an upstanding member spacedfrom said arm and fixed .at:itslowerzend :tozsaid shaft, the upper end of rsai-dmember being disposedin the :path of .movementofsaidprojections tobe contacted and swung -bysaid-projections to rock said shaft, and yielding means connected withsaid shaft opposing rocking of said shaft and normally holding saidclosure in position closing said discharge'opening, wherebyin responseto rotation of said seed plate said closure is periodically actuated toopen said discharge opening and deposit seed.

DARWINE. GRAVES.

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1,058,954 :Hallenbeck Apr. 8, 1913 1,073,826 Waite Sept. 23, 19131,078,395 Watson Nov. 1-1, 1913 1,092,007 Bartholomew Mar. 31, 19141,131,897 Bartholomew Mar. 16, 1915 1,195,879 Van Brunt Aug. 22, 1916 1327,455 Willis :et a1. .Jan. -6, 1920 1,398,428 -Golle Nov. 29, 19211,420,465 :Arnold June 20, 1922 1,650,808 Van Brunt Nov. 29, 19272,068,382 'Kriegbaum Jan. 19, 1937 2,340,163 White.v Jan. 25, 19442,362,693 Haas Nov. 14, 1944 2,371,827 Krieg'bamn Mar. 20, 1945

